Turkish security forces capture two YPG militants of Czech origin

ŞIRNAK

Two Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) militants of Czech origin were captured by Turkish security forces on Oct. 13 in the southeastern Turkish province of Şırnak.

Czech Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Michaela Lagronova verified that two Czech nationals were arrested in Turkey and are being charged with being a member of a terrorist organization.

She said the ministry had contacted them through their lawyer and is using all means to get them deported to the Czech Republic.

The Turkish security forces detained Miroslav Farkas and Marketa Vselichova in Şırnak while they were trying to cross the border from Turkey to Iraq, Sabah newspaper reported. 

According to the report they had adopted the noms de guerre “Serxwebun Botan” and “Zelane Botan.” 

The operation was the first one targeting foreign militants fighting for the YPG, Turkish security forces said. 

According to information from the security forces, Farkas was reportedly a sniper and Vselichova was providing logistical, health and personnel needs. 

The militants are accused of delivering arms and have been arrested pending trial. 

According to Farkas’ confession, they were allegedly trained in a legion camp in France and joined the YPG in Syria in 2015. Vselichova joined the YPG while she was still in university, he also said.